Hermit Molting
Author: Terry McInnis
All growing crabs have to go through the hermt crab molting process. The hard layer that covers the abdomen, legs and claws which is called the exoskeleton is shed during this process. During the time when the new exoskeleton is growing the crab is extremely vulnerable. It is normal for your crab to burry himself in the sand and not move for days during this time period. This is one of the reasons that it is essential to make sure you have three to four inches of sand in your hermit crab's tank.
The hermit crab molting process, on average, happens about once every year or
two. There are a few causes that will affect how frequently a crab will go through a molt. The older the hermit crabs are the slower they will grow. Some species of crabs don't molt as often as other species. Another reason for the molting process to occur sooner is if there is an injury, for example if your crab loses a limb.
People that have experience with hermit crabs can often tell when a crab is about to go into the molting stage. If your crab has a bigger appetite than normal this could be a sign. Hermit crabs are noticeably sluggish during the beginning stage of molting. Some crab owners even mistakenly think that their hermit crab is ill or has even died. It is not unusual for the eyes to turn cloudy as if your crab has developed cataracts. It is not unusual for crabs to dig more often than previously. Observant crab owners might notice a sack of water inside the shell, near the crab's abdomen, which will sustain him during the molt.
Leave your crab in the tank during the molting process if you only have one hermit crab. If you have a community of crabs, you may want to provide an isolation tank so that he can molt in peace. This is an area that many hermit crab owners find themselves arguing over. It is believed by some that this isn't crucial because their crab is better off remaining in the environment he is use to. There are other people that argue that the crab must be protected from other crabs throughout this time. If your crab has already burried himself in the sand to begin the molting process then you want to leave him as is and not touch him in anyway.
While your hermit crab is molting, avoid handling him. Remember to try not to remove the exoskeleton or give him a bath during this time, this is because you may cause irriatation or infection. The only role you have during this natural process is to make sure your crab has enough food and water during this time.
There is not a golden rule when it comes to how long the hermit crab molting process will take, it can take 2 weeks or it could take 3 months. Following the molting process, the crab will emerge and become just as active as before. Don't be surprised if your crab eats his old exoskeleton, which is high in calcium. Hermit crabs need extra calcium as they come out of the molting process. Since the new exoskeleton is larger than the old one hermit crabs will move to a new shell that is large enough for them. After your hermit crab has finished the molting process it will need a new shell therefore you should provide your crab with many options.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hermit-molting-2188923.html
About the Author
Terry is a hermit crab enthusiast. For more information about hermit crab molting, please visit
http://hermitcrabcarecenter.com. You might also want to check out my article on hermit crab shells.